Canadian Red Cross responds to fire in Iqaluit

OTTAWA, Feb. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Red Cross is providing assistance following a devastating fire that destroyed a 22 unit townhouse complex in Iqaluit, Nunavut, on February 26, 2012. Canadian Red Cross volunteers are working with local authorities to help 21 families impacted by the fire.  Relief supplies have been sent to the community and the Red Cross will accept financial donations in support of relief and recovery efforts in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

"We are working with the families who lost their homes, Arctic College, the City of Iqaluit, and the community to ensure that everyone receives the support they need as they work through this traumatic event," says Patricia Fuller, response team leader for the Canadian Red Cross. "Blankets, bedding and personal hygiene items have been brought in and we are currently distributing these along with food and clothing vouchers."

Canadian Red Cross volunteers in Ottawa worked into the night on Monday to ensure that much needed supplies were gathered, packed and ready to ship by Tuesday morning. A flight, provided by First Air, transported relief goods along with a trained Red Cross disaster response volunteer to Iqaluit.

"There are many children among the families who were forced from their homes, so we have also brought in some supplies specifically for them," says Fuller.  "The stuffed toys, colouring books and crayons will hopefully provide a little comfort as the families begin to rebuild their lives."

Financial donations may be made online at www.redcross.ca/iqaluitfire2012 , by calling   1-800-418-1111 or through your local Canadian Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked "Iqaluit Fire", and can also be mailed to Canadian Red Cross, 170 Metcalfe, Suite 300, Ottawa ON K2P 2P2.

The Canadian Red Cross does not accept donations of goods.  Financial donations provide the most flexibility to ensure that specific assistance can be provided to match the needs of those impacted by disaster. Should received donations exceed the needs of those impacted by the fire in Iqaluit, Canadian Red Cross will utilize funds for our ongoing disaster response work.

For more information or to arrange an interview:
Nathan Huculak
Canadian Red Cross
1-800-661-9055 ext. 3504 (office) or 250-686-3755 (cell)